Non-Canon On a Cold Neverwinter Day IC

[Minerva]

"..." Scorpia then grind widely at her opponent. "You got yourself a fight, buddy!" Putting up her claws Scorpia came in close for a quick jab into the mans face and if it hit would deliver an uppercut to him

@Minerva @Crow

Fjord

Fjord had once again gotten lost in his thoughts, but would eventually catch up with the raid party and saw the minions leave and he didn't like it. " Oh hell no, you ain't getting away," he said, using Thunderstep to catch up with the goons and try to get the objects from them.

@Minerva @Crow @Jeremi @Raidparty

"I got them!"

Clarisse says, running after the not-so-dynamic duo

"ALCHEMIC..."

Her hands charged with flames, aiming for the two minions.

"... FLARE!"

With that, fire filled the corridors, embers bouncing off stone walls. The attack was strong, and even if the two decided to split up in the building, the flames would continue to chase them.

"There's no way you'll outrun Clarisse's super special attack with all that shiny in your hands~."

@Minerva @Jeremi

"You ain't takin' me out that easy!" The man said, tanking the hit. He was bleeding from his lip and had a tooth broken. He would attempt to grab Scorpia's claws in her next punch and use force to toss her across the room.

Meanwhile, the two minions would be distracted by the Alchemic Flare. One dropped several of the books he was carrying, but continued to run, now unburdened. The other would completely trip, allowing Fjord to catch up to him. He would let out a scream as Fjord caught him.

Elizia
@Minerva @Ver @Gummi Bunnies @Takumi @Kaykay

A flicker of sadness crossed Elizia's face as the prophecy the painting had apparently been based off was told to her.

It spoke of the Kingdoms in ruins... Dragons ruling in the place once mighty Kings and Queens alike stood. Perhaps in some ways, it would be like Crandor Isle all over again, but on a much, much larger scale.

Wincing a little, she rubbed her left arm a little a little. Despite the battle with Elvarg long since been over, and the wounds she had sustained being healed, sometimes that arm still throbbed a little from time to time, as if somehow it was recalling the strain it underwent in that very battle, just barely keeping the only thing protecting her raised high enough to spare her life for just a few extra moments.

Eventually, she smiled a little, deciding to roll with the other topic that was brought up. As it turned out Corster was a bit of an artist himself, which... Intrigued her.

As she was partially eavesdropping on the other conversations going on in the room, she was starting to pick up on something she figured she could inquire about.

Although, she wasn't sure if it was quite safe to be direct just yet. While most of the other Cultists seemed distracted, there might be other ways word could get around about her attempt at infiltration if she wasn't carefull.

"You're not like the rest of... Us, are you?" She asked, lowering her voice a little as she raised a brow.

Although the way she posed the question, it seemed more like she was teasing him a little, even if it was an honest question she had on her mind.

Corster laughed. "They say there's something different about us artists." He then smirked. "Or were you talking about me being an elf, well, Eladrin, actually."

Arslan listened quietly, and took notice pf the way the man in questioned looked at Kazuma. Chances were, they weren't doing well. They gained some information, however, so that was a start.

"Severin Silraijin has strong faith in helping those of Neverwinter by fulfilling the prophecy, then? That's...admireable." He spoke up, a memory of wanting to know how Lusitanians viewed things and ended up temporarily being held hostage for a time coming to mind briefly.

Some might call him crazy for being fond of the memory, but he got a friend of sorts from it along with opening his views on the dangers of an enslavement a bit. He hoped to keep the attention off of Kazuma, and while there was some truth in his words he was determined to thwart them even more.

@Minerva @Ver @Gummi Bunnies @Kaykay @bar

❝ That is good to hear, I was afraid that I would not be able to witness such a spectacle in my lifetime. ❞ Merlin let out a breath of air, emulating relief with his words. Well, that is a handful to remember. Obviously letting Tiamat be brought back by these types of people is a big no-no. There's no telling on how chaotic that would be. Glancing at those that were here with him, the mage figured that he could take a step further with this, despite the high chance of risk to go with this.

❝ My apologies for the poor timing, as much as this conversation has enlightened me and captured my interest. I need to momentarily excuse myself for a call from... nature, if you catch my drift. ❞ The mage made a rather vague statement, darting his eyes around and about the cult's party. Oh, right... he didn't know the layout of this place from the back of his hand. ❝ If you can direct me to the nearest lavatory, you have my many thanks. ❞

Merlin displayed a shameless smile when requesting directions.

@Minerva @Ver @Kaykay @Takumi @Bar

@Kaykay @Ver @Takumi @Gummi Bunnies
"indeed. Severin wishes to not only help those in Neverwinter, but those all over Toril!" The woman said excitedly.

In regards to Merlin, the man cleared his throat and pointed to the back of the room. "They're, uh, through the door, down the hall past the room with the harpsichord, and to the right." He said. He felt really awkward. This was supposed to be a fun evening.

"Thank you." Taric smiled and nodded at the man, then turned to his companion. "What do you think? Should the two of us split up, or perhaps go to one area at a time?" After their time on the bridge, Taric had no doubt Wendy could take care of herself...but she still looked very young, and even if he did not want to put the girl in danger for any reason. But it would be best to hear her opinion, rather than decide for them both.

@Minerva @RyuKeiko

Listening to Corster, she nodded her head, smiling a bit. "It's okay~!" She spoke, when he apologized. "We can care for ourselves, and we will make sure that Xalliana comes back safe and sound!" Positive as always.

When Taric addressed her, she paused for a moment to think before she answered. "If we stay together, it would obviously be safer..." She started, still pondering. "But it would make much more sense to try and cover more ground by splitting up, considering we might not have much time..." She nodded her head as if a decision had been made. "Maybe we should split up, but maybe we can find a way to signal to each other, if one is in trouble!" She exclaimed. Maybe her Milky Way could come in handy!

@Yun Lee @Minerva

Taric nodded. "Very well. I can take the guild hall." He raised his shield, a small grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Many arrows will turn into many toothpicks against Bastion here." Maybe it wouldn't come to that. Perhaps if nothing else, he could find a way to reason with them? If not, though...he had been outnumbered before.

@RyuKeiko @Minerva

As Taric made his way to the Guild Hall, he would be joined by Lucina.

"Come on, we have to find Xalliana before something happens to her!" She said in a motivated tone of voice. She grabbed the sword at her side, prepared to draw it.

As the two approached the Guild Hall, they would see a ghstly sight. Corpses hanging from buildings, bodies on pikes, destruction of buildings with ramshackle wooden huts built in them. It was clear that, in its heyday, this was once a thriving economic district, but that it no longer was.

A banner stood in front of the guild hall's doors, indicating the orc allegiance to the Many-Arrows tribe. Lucina gripped her sword tighter and bowed her head slightly.

Would you enter?

Meanwhile, Wendy would get an escort to the base camp. Several more guards stood there, keeping watch. There was a Dwarf, an Elf, and a Human all gathered around a table, and an agent in a cloak with a crossbow watching the distance.​

 

[RyuKeiko]

Taric nodded. "Very well. I can take the guild hall." He raised his shield, a small grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Many arrows will turn into many toothpicks against Bastion here." Maybe it wouldn't come to that. Perhaps if nothing else, he could find a way to reason with them? If not, though...he had been outnumbered before.

@RyuKeiko @Minerva​

As Taric made his way to the Guild Hall, he would be joined by Lucina.

"Come on, we have to find Xalliana before something happens to her!" She said in a motivated tone of voice. She grabbed the sword at her side, prepared to draw it.

As the two approached the Guild Hall, they would see a ghstly sight. Corpses hanging from buildings, bodies on pikes, destruction of buildings with ramshackle wooden huts built in them. It was clear that, in its heyday, this was once a thriving economic district, but that it no longer was.

A banner stood in front of the guild hall's doors, indicating the orc allegiance to the Many-Arrows tribe. Lucina gripped her sword tighter and bowed her head slightly.

Would you enter?

Meanwhile, Wendy would get an escort to the base camp. Several more guards stood there, keeping watch. There was a Dwarf, an Elf, and a Human all gathered around a table, and an agent in a cloak with a crossbow watching the distance.​

Wendy nodded and smiled at Taric's words. He almost seems like Erza... Without the scary attitude. She inwardly giggles, as Taric began to make his way to the Guild Hall. Meanwhile, with the help of an escort, Wendy made her way to the base camp, were she was met with many new faces. Guards were everywhere, watching over the area. Moving forward, she made her way towards the table, wondering if the ones there had any information for her. "Sorry to interrupt, but I'm here to help look for Xalliana?" She said, doing her best to speak up and clearly. Her small stature made it hard to be taking seriously at times. She was a child, afterall.

@Yun Lee @Minerva

 

[Crow]

"You ain't takin' me out that easy!" The man said, tanking the hit. He was bleeding from his lip and had a tooth broken. He would attempt to grab Scorpia's claws in her next punch and use force to toss her across the room.

Meanwhile, the two minions would be distracted by the Alchemic Flare. One dropped several of the books he was carrying, but continued to run, now unburdened. The other would completely trip, allowing Fjord to catch up to him. He would let out a scream as Fjord caught him.​

"We saved the day! What a great team!" Clarisse exclaims as she snatches some of the remaining minions' materials. "Let's see what this guy's stealing before we make it go kaboom! Dibs on this one!"

@Jeremi @Lucky @Minerva​

 

[Gummi Bunnies]

❝ My many thanks, now... if you'd excuse me~ ❞ Merlin graciously gave a nod over for the directions, and slips out of view towards the bathroom. Well, this gave some time for some thought on what else to do, along with doing some magic behind the scenes for what he planned to do. Letting some time pass, Merlin stepped out with full intent of checking out the altar.

Along with... appearing differently than how the mage initially looked like when arriving at this cult party.

❝ Oh wow! This altar sure looks super fancy! Magi Mari wonders if she can examine it more in-depth! Teehee✰! ❞ The mage(?) laughs as if sending off the vibe that no one should mind her checking things out. Right?​

@Kaykay @Ver @Takumi @York @Minerva​

 

[Yun Lee]

As he was joined by another, Taric smiled at Lucina. It was a relief to see Wendy had an escort, so having this young lady join him was not a problem at all. "Indeed. We definiteky should hurry." Though as the guild hall lay before him, the Aspect closed his eyes in disgust. The stench of death and ruin ran rampant here. Perhaps these orcs would not be as easy to reason with as previously hoped. Still, he had a job to do, and a woman to find. But to put them both at ease, Taric turned to Lucina and cast a spell. She would be surrounded by an intangible gemlike force that would make a temporary shield in case the orcs attacked; furthermore, it created an invisible link between the princess and himself. "Stay close," he whispered, before steeling himself and entering the hall.

@Minerva @GuildHall​

 

[Ver]

"R-Right... To Severin then," Kazuma said uneasily in response to the woman's enthusiasm, helping himself to a cup of water before raising it up, as though preparing to make a toast to him, before having a big ol' drink of his water. He didn't really have much else to say to her, but knew enough that he may as well try to blend in, huh? Even with these uniforms on, he felt a bit out of place, but that was probably just him. Megumin probably felt more in place than he did.

Alright, so what did he learn? Something about Maglas's Prophecy, an alliance with Thay, resurrecting Dracoliches, summoning Tiamat... Well, that's a lot to unpack. Surely, they'll--

PPPPPPPPFT!

Before he knew it, Kazuma had suddenly spat out his water right at Megumin once he laid sight upon "Merlin" once he'd laid sight upon the entity that had arisen from the restroom, his eyes aghast with disbelief.

"What is that pervert--?!" He began to exclaim, before deciding to keep his mouth shut, lest he be the cause of their infiltration breaking down.

Jeez, I almost miss Darkness now! Everywhere I go, it's an awful pervert who makes a former NEET like me look completely normal! How do I end up meeting these people?! He thought, lamenting internally.

Clearing his throat and trying to compose himself, Kazuma set his cup down. "S-Sorry, I thought I tasted something strange in the drink. Excuse me," the young man said sheepishly, completely ignoring how he'd slighted Megumin, before marching right off toward Magi Mari, gnashing his teeth together as he stood next to the mage, right in front of the Altar.

"I thought we were supposed to be subtle. Do you want people leering all over you, you nasty sex goblin?! Everyone's gonna be staring at you like this!" He angrily whispered.

@Gummi Bunnies @Kaykay @Minerva @Takumi @York​

 

[Jeremi]

"You ain't takin' me out that easy!" The man said, tanking the hit. He was bleeding from his lip and had a tooth broken. He would attempt to grab Scorpia's claws in her next punch and use force to toss her across the room.

Meanwhile, the two minions would be distracted by the Alchemic Flare. One dropped several of the books he was carrying, but continued to run, now unburdened. The other would completely trip, allowing Fjord to catch up to him. He would let out a scream as Fjord caught him.



Corster laughed. "They say there's something different about us artists." He then smirked. "Or were you talking about me being an elf, well, Eladrin, actually."





@Kaykay @Ver @Takumi @Gummi Bunnies
"indeed. Severin wishes to not only help those in Neverwinter, but those all over Toril!" The woman said excitedly.

In regards to Merlin, the man cleared his throat and pointed to the back of the room. "They're, uh, through the door, down the hall past the room with the harpsichord, and to the right." He said. He felt really awkward. This was supposed to be a fun evening.





As Taric made his way to the Guild Hall, he would be joined by Lucina.

"Come on, we have to find Xalliana before something happens to her!" She said in a motivated tone of voice. She grabbed the sword at her side, prepared to draw it.

As the two approached the Guild Hall, they would see a ghstly sight. Corpses hanging from buildings, bodies on pikes, destruction of buildings with ramshackle wooden huts built in them. It was clear that, in its heyday, this was once a thriving economic district, but that it no longer was.

A banner stood in front of the guild hall's doors, indicating the orc allegiance to the Many-Arrows tribe. Lucina gripped her sword tighter and bowed her head slightly.

Would you enter?

Meanwhile, Wendy would get an escort to the base camp. Several more guards stood there, keeping watch. There was a Dwarf, an Elf, and a Human all gathered around a table, and an agent in a cloak with a crossbow watching the distance.​

"You got to be harder then whoooooa!" Tripped up and toss out Scorpia crashed against the wall with a loud thud leaving a hole in her wake. Walking back through the hole clutching her head with her claw it was clear that she had been caught off guard. "Ha! Not bad." She put up her claws again ready for a scrap. "But you're not going to trick me like that again!" She went on the assault trying to lift the man over her shoulders and fling him much like he had done to her.

@Minerva

 

[Lucky]

Fjord

Fjord would take a moment to look over at the books and shake his head at the girl and picked up the other minion by the scruff of his neck but not before summoning a Lesser Demon/ " Now we can do this the easy way or the hard way. What did you come here for? I'm sure you wouldn't want to upset my little friend here. He looks for something to fight and I hate to see you get hurt by him."

@Minerva @Crow @Jeremi

 

[York]

Spoiler: Replies

"You ain't takin' me out that easy!" The man said, tanking the hit. He was bleeding from his lip and had a tooth broken. He would attempt to grab Scorpia's claws in her next punch and use force to toss her across the room.

Meanwhile, the two minions would be distracted by the Alchemic Flare. One dropped several of the books he was carrying, but continued to run, now unburdened. The other would completely trip, allowing Fjord to catch up to him. He would let out a scream as Fjord caught him.



Corster laughed. "They say there's something different about us artists." He then smirked. "Or were you talking about me being an elf, well, Eladrin, actually."





@Kaykay @Ver @Takumi @Gummi Bunnies
"indeed. Severin wishes to not only help those in Neverwinter, but those all over Toril!" The woman said excitedly.

In regards to Merlin, the man cleared his throat and pointed to the back of the room. "They're, uh, through the door, down the hall past the room with the harpsichord, and to the right." He said. He felt really awkward. This was supposed to be a fun evening.





As Taric made his way to the Guild Hall, he would be joined by Lucina.

"Come on, we have to find Xalliana before something happens to her!" She said in a motivated tone of voice. She grabbed the sword at her side, prepared to draw it.

As the two approached the Guild Hall, they would see a ghstly sight. Corpses hanging from buildings, bodies on pikes, destruction of buildings with ramshackle wooden huts built in them. It was clear that, in its heyday, this was once a thriving economic district, but that it no longer was.

A banner stood in front of the guild hall's doors, indicating the orc allegiance to the Many-Arrows tribe. Lucina gripped her sword tighter and bowed her head slightly.

Would you enter?

Meanwhile, Wendy would get an escort to the base camp. Several more guards stood there, keeping watch. There was a Dwarf, an Elf, and a Human all gathered around a table, and an agent in a cloak with a crossbow watching the distance.​

❝ My many thanks, now... if you'd excuse me~ ❞ Merlin graciously gave a nod over for the directions, and slips out of view towards the bathroom. Well, this gave some time for some thought on what else to do, along with doing some magic behind the scenes for what he planned to do. Letting some time pass, Merlin stepped out with full intent of checking out the altar.

Along with... appearing differently than how the mage initially looked like when arriving at this cult party.

❝ Oh wow! This altar sure looks super fancy! Magi Mari wonders if she can examine it more in-depth! Teehee✰! ❞ The mage(?) laughs as if sending off the vibe that no one should mind her checking things out. Right?​

@Kaykay @Ver @Takumi @York @Minerva​

Elizia
@Minerva @Ver @Gummi Bunnies @Takumi @Kaykay

Oops! Elizia quickly realized she almost said somehting she shouldn't have... And as a result, got a little flustered.

"Th-The artist thing!" She sputtered, trying desperately to play off her rookie mistake.

Although she also wanted to inquire about the whole 'Eladrin' thing, she figured it wasn't a good idea to do so in a setting like this. So it was a question she would have to save for if they were to meet again, in a less risky situation.

It was then that she noticed Merlin stepping out of the room to find the bathroom really quickly, and while that in itself wasn't weird... Despite her reservations about wandering off in a place like this, the person that came back made her blink, rubbing her eyes as she made sure she was seeing what she thought she was seeing.

Bewildered, she turned back to Corster, smiling awkwardly now.

"... Um, this place doesn't happen to have a makeover mage, does it?" She asked.

It was an odd question indeed for someone who hadn't been around Gielinor to hear, but it was clear Elizia was being serious when she asked the question. Like makeover mages were commonplace, at least where she came from.​

 

[Minerva]

"We saved the day! What a great team!" Clarisse exclaims as she snatches some of the remaining minions' materials. "Let's see what this guy's stealing before we make it go kaboom! Dibs on this one!"

@Jeremi @Lucky @Minerva

Fjord

Fjord would take a moment to look over at the books and shake his head at the girl and picked up the other minion by the scruff of his neck but not before summoning a Lesser Demon/ " Now we can do this the easy way or the hard way. What did you come here for? I'm sure you wouldn't want to upset my little friend here. He looks for something to fight and I hate to see you get hurt by him."

@Minerva @Crow @Jeremi

Clarissa would find several books on the history of Neverwinter and the Sword Coast as well as some gold trinkets with the eye symbols marked on them.

The Nasher goon looked startled. “Th-this is our headquarters! We were evacuating!” He seemed incredibly startled and was struggling to get himself up from being pinned. The two guards and Boward would come forward.

“We don’t have time for this.” One said, grabbing the man.

"You got to be harder then whoooooa!" Tripped up and toss out Scorpia crashed against the wall with a loud thud leaving a hole in her wake. Walking back through the hole clutching her head with her claw it was clear that she had been caught off guard. "Ha! Not bad." She put up her claws again ready for a scrap. "But you're not going to trick me like that again!" She went on the assault trying to lift the man over her shoulders and fling him much like he had done to her.

@Minerva

“I’ve fought children stronger than you!” He shouted with confidence. He looked surprised as she hit him. His head smashed against a support beam, which proceeded to crack, but he shook it off.

“Good move! But can you handle this?!” He asked, moving for a swift punch to her stomach.

❝ My many thanks, now... if you'd excuse me~ ❞ Merlin graciously gave a nod over for the directions, and slips out of view towards the bathroom. Well, this gave some time for some thought on what else to do, along with doing some magic behind the scenes for what he planned to do. Letting some time pass, Merlin stepped out with full intent of checking out the altar.

Along with... appearing differently than how the mage initially looked like when arriving at this cult party.

❝ Oh wow! This altar sure looks super fancy! Magi Mari wonders if she can examine it more in-depth! Teehee✰! ❞ The mage(?) laughs as if sending off the vibe that no one should mind her checking things out. Right?

@Kaykay @Ver @Takumi @York @Minerva

"R-Right... To Severin then," Kazuma said uneasily in response to the woman's enthusiasm, helping himself to a cup of water before raising it up, as though preparing to make a toast to him, before having a big ol' drink of his water. He didn't really have much else to say to her, but knew enough that he may as well try to blend in, huh? Even with these uniforms on, he felt a bit out of place, but that was probably just him. Megumin probably felt more in place than he did.

Alright, so what did he learn? Something about Maglas's Prophecy, an alliance with Thay, resurrecting Dracoliches, summoning Tiamat... Well, that's a lot to unpack. Surely, they'll--

PPPPPPPPFT!

Before he knew it, Kazuma had suddenly spat out his water right at Megumin once he laid sight upon "Merlin" once he'd laid sight upon the entity that had arisen from the restroom, his eyes aghast with disbelief.

"What is that pervert--?!" He began to exclaim, before deciding to keep his mouth shut, lest he be the cause of their infiltration breaking down.

Jeez, I almost miss Darkness now! Everywhere I go, it's an awful pervert who makes a former NEET like me look completely normal! How do I end up meeting these people?! He thought, lamenting internally.

Clearing his throat and trying to compose himself, Kazuma set his cup down. "S-Sorry, I thought I tasted something strange in the drink. Excuse me," the young man said sheepishly, completely ignoring how he'd slighted Megumin, before marching right off toward Magi Mari, gnashing his teeth together as he stood next to the mage, right in front of the Altar.

"I thought we were supposed to be subtle. Do you want people leering all over you, you nasty sex goblin?! Everyone's gonna be staring at you like this!" He angrily whispered.

@Gummi Bunnies @Kaykay @Minerva @Takumi @York

The altar was quite elaborate, with a statue of a multi-headed dragon sitting on top of it, surrounded by plates of meat and a pile of gold. It was elegantly crafted, and a work of art. But it oozes with some sort of dark energy that you can’t put your finger on.

A tall woman came up to the two standing by the altar. She wore heavy plate armor under her high ranking robes. She carried a pole arm and looked very official.

“Committing an offering to the Dragon Goddess, her lady Tiamat?” she said in her serious tone.

She weirdly did not seem unfazed by Merlin’s, uh, transformation.

Elizia
@Minerva @Ver @Gummi Bunnies @Takumi @Kaykay

Oops! Elizia quickly realized she almost said somehting she shouldn't have... And as a result, got a little flustered.

"Th-The artist thing!" She sputtered, trying desperately to play off her rookie mistake.

Although she also wanted to inquire about the whole 'Eladrin' thing, she figured it wasn't a good idea to do so in a setting like this. So it was a question she would have to save for if they were to meet again, in a less risky situation.

It was then that she noticed Merlin stepping out of the room to find the bathroom really quickly, and while that in itself wasn't weird... Despite her reservations about wandering off in a place like this, the person that came back made her blink, rubbing her eyes as she made sure she was seeing what she thought she was seeing.

Bewildered, she turned back to Corster, smiling awkwardly now.

"... Um, this place doesn't happen to have a makeover mage, does it?" She asked.

It was an odd question indeed for someone who hadn't been around Gielinor to hear, but it was clear Elizia was being serious when she asked the question. Like makeover mages were commonplace, at least where she came from.

“I understand what you meant.” Corster said. He turned to look back at the painting with a solemn tilt of his head.

“Does this place have a what?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.

As he was joined by another, Taric smiled at Lucina. It was a relief to see Wendy had an escort, so having this young lady join him was not a problem at all. "Indeed. We definiteky should hurry." Though as the guild hall lay before him, the Aspect closed his eyes in disgust. The stench of death and ruin ran rampant here. Perhaps these orcs would not be as easy to reason with as previously hoped. Still, he had a job to do, and a woman to find. But to put them both at ease, Taric turned to Lucina and cast a spell. She would be surrounded by an intangible gemlike force that would make a temporary shield in case the orcs attacked; furthermore, it created an invisible link between the princess and himself. "Stay close," he whispered, before steeling himself and entering the hall.

@Minerva @GuildHall

The door opened into a large room with a mezzanine overlooking it. A large campfire sat in the center of it. Benches were pushed to the side or smashed, chains hung from the rail of the mezzanine. Another large orc banner stood at the back.

“It seems empty..” Lucina said

That was before the corpse of a Neverwinter Guardsman hit the floor. An orc shouted “FOR GRUUMSH!” As it raised its rusty, blood covered cleaver. There was a shout from several more Orcs, before the one on top turned around.

“LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE MORE VISITORS!” The lead shouted. “LET’S SEND ‘EM TO GRUUMSH!”

The other Orcs raised their weapons and proceeded to hop the barrier.

Lucina drew her sword...

Wendy nodded and smiled at Taric's words. He almost seems like Erza... Without the scary attitude. She inwardly giggles, as Taric began to make his way to the Guild Hall. Meanwhile, with the help of an escort, Wendy made her way to the base camp, were she was met with many new faces. Guards were everywhere, watching over the area. Moving forward, she made her way towards the table, wondering if the ones there had any information for her. "Sorry to interrupt, but I'm here to help look for Xalliana?" She said, doing her best to speak up and clearly. Her small stature made it hard to be taking seriously at times. She was a child, afterall.

@Yun Lee @Minerva

“Hmm?” The human would turn around. A man with brown hair and a long scar on his face looked. “Ah, you’re from the Harpers, I assume?” He said, crossing his arms.

The elf was quiet before she spoke. “Last time I remember seeing, she was on some kind of scouting mission. Don’t remember where to, though.”​

 

[Jeremi]

Clarissa would find several books on the history of Neverwinter and the Sword Coast as well as some gold trinkets with the eye symbols marked on them.

The Nasher goon looked startled. “Th-this is our headquarters! We were evacuating!” He seemed incredibly startled and was struggling to get himself up from being pinned. The two guards and Boward would come forward.

“We don’t have time for this.” One said, grabbing the man.



“I’ve fought children stronger than you!” He shouted with confidence. He looked surprised as she hit him. His head smashed against a support beam, which proceeded to crack, but he shook it off.

“Good move! But can you handle this?!” He asked, moving for a swift punch to her stomach.




The altar was quite elaborate, with a statue of a multi-headed dragon sitting on top of it, surrounded by plates of meat and a pile of gold. It was elegantly crafted, and a work of art. But it oozes with some sort of dark energy that you can’t put your finger on.

A tall woman came up to the two standing by the altar. She wore heavy plate armor under her high ranking robes. She carried a pole arm and looked very official.

“Committing an offering to the Dragon Goddess, her lady Tiamat?” she said in her serious tone.

She weirdly did not seem unfazed by Merlin’s, uh, transformation.


“I understand what you meant.” Corster said. He turned to look back at the painting with a solemn tilt of his head.

“Does this place have a what?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.



The door opened into a large room with a mezzanine overlooking it. A large campfire sat in the center of it. Benches were pushed to the side or smashed, chains hung from the rail of the mezzanine. Another large orc banner stood at the back.

“It seems empty..” Lucina said

That was before the corpse of a Neverwinter Guardsman hit the floor. An orc shouted “FOR GRUUMSH!” As it raised its rusty, blood covered cleaver. There was a shout from several more Orcs, before the one on top turned around.

“LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE MORE VISITORS!” The lead shouted. “LET’S SEND ‘EM TO GRUUMSH!”

The other Orcs raised their weapons and proceeded to hop the barrier.

Lucina drew her sword...



“Hmm?” The human would turn around. A man with brown hair and a long scar on his face looked. “Ah, you’re from the Harpers, I assume?” He said, crossing his arms.

The elf was quiet before she spoke. “Last time I remember seeing, she was on some kind of scouting mission. Don’t remember where to, though.”​

Whoa! Scorpia really wanted to see those kids! But not before trying to catch the man's hand in her claw. If she was successful she'd swing around and use her tail to slam it hard into the man's side to catch him off guard before delivering a punch of her own.

@Minerva @Crow

 

[RyuKeiko]

“Hmm?” The human would turn around. A man with brown hair and a long scar on his face looked. “Ah, you’re from the Harpers, I assume?” He said, crossing his arms.

The elf was quiet before she spoke. “Last time I remember seeing, she was on some kind of scouting mission. Don’t remember where to, though.”​

Wendy nodded in response to the question she was asked, before she listened to the elf speak. Sighing, she realized she was still in square one. She bowed in thanks, "Thank you, anyway. I'm hoping we can find her, before she is hurt that is." she said "Do you happen to know what she was scouting?" she asked the group, maybe hoping to gain a lead.
@Minerva

 

[York]

Clarissa would find several books on the history of Neverwinter and the Sword Coast as well as some gold trinkets with the eye symbols marked on them.

The Nasher goon looked startled. “Th-this is our headquarters! We were evacuating!” He seemed incredibly startled and was struggling to get himself up from being pinned. The two guards and Boward would come forward.

“We don’t have time for this.” One said, grabbing the man.



“I’ve fought children stronger than you!” He shouted with confidence. He looked surprised as she hit him. His head smashed against a support beam, which proceeded to crack, but he shook it off.

“Good move! But can you handle this?!” He asked, moving for a swift punch to her stomach.




The altar was quite elaborate, with a statue of a multi-headed dragon sitting on top of it, surrounded by plates of meat and a pile of gold. It was elegantly crafted, and a work of art. But it oozes with some sort of dark energy that you can’t put your finger on.

A tall woman came up to the two standing by the altar. She wore heavy plate armor under her high ranking robes. She carried a pole arm and looked very official.

“Committing an offering to the Dragon Goddess, her lady Tiamat?” she said in her serious tone.

She weirdly did not seem unfazed by Merlin’s, uh, transformation.


“I understand what you meant.” Corster said. He turned to look back at the painting with a solemn tilt of his head.

“Does this place have a what?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.



The door opened into a large room with a mezzanine overlooking it. A large campfire sat in the center of it. Benches were pushed to the side or smashed, chains hung from the rail of the mezzanine. Another large orc banner stood at the back.

“It seems empty..” Lucina said

That was before the corpse of a Neverwinter Guardsman hit the floor. An orc shouted “FOR GRUUMSH!” As it raised its rusty, blood covered cleaver. There was a shout from several more Orcs, before the one on top turned around.

“LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE MORE VISITORS!” The lead shouted. “LET’S SEND ‘EM TO GRUUMSH!”

The other Orcs raised their weapons and proceeded to hop the barrier.

Lucina drew her sword...



“Hmm?” The human would turn around. A man with brown hair and a long scar on his face looked. “Ah, you’re from the Harpers, I assume?” He said, crossing his arms.

The elf was quiet before she spoke. “Last time I remember seeing, she was on some kind of scouting mission. Don’t remember where to, though.”​

Elizia
@Minerva @Ver @Gummi Bunnies @Takumi @Kaykay

"Oh! Um... Nevermind. It must be a regional thing..." Elizia said, rubbing the back of her neck.

Perhaps it wasn't the doing of a Makeover Mage after all. Or, maybe Merlin himself moonlighted as one?

Either that or this was just a woman that looked remarkable similar to him.

Regardless, she smiled awkwardly, noting the others headed to the Altar.

"So. Would you like to make an offering too? I don't have much, but... I can join you." She said suddenly.

In reality, she was trying to see if she could glean anything usefull from whatever went on at the Altar, but just incase she was indeed talking to another Cultist, and not someone else who also happened to be posing as one, she had to make this conversation sound a little less suspicious.​

 

[Yun Lee]

"!!!" Taric responded to this newfound hostility by readying yet another spell. This one set two beams straight ahead from both him and Lucina. It would do nothing at first, but after a few brief seconds would send forth two surges of starlight that would damage and hopefully stun the orcs before any more bloodshed happened on either side.

@Minerva​

 

[Gummi Bunnies]

Unlike her fellow companion for this mission, Merlin wasn't much in panic with what she had in mind, even giggling a bit at the snarky remark of "nasty sex goblin." If anything, this was all a part of the plan that this mage put together last minute.

❝ Oooooh, so you don't want the other partygoers to focus all on me. How possessive yet cute, mister Kazuma~. Why, am I that distracting to you? Hm~? Don't be so shy now~✩ ❞ Merlin smiled devilishly, somehow not seeing the problem with this. In a way, it would be easier on their end if they had a distraction wandering around, and Merlin is the master of distractions. If she unintentionally got one of the people in her group to stroll right over, then it must be effective, surely! As if to prove the point, she was able to see that Elizia was also coming over. How many was she going to have come over?

That was when an unfamiliar person stepped towards the altar, someone who was obviously an official status in this cult party. What a pain that this other woman was all business, but that didn't matter, the role of the distraction had to keep going. Why else did the mage get in this Magi Mari getup in the first place? This can't go to waste.

Listening to the tall woman talk about offerings, Merlin clapped her hands as if remembering about that right away.

❝ Yes, that's right! Coming all the way here and not lending an offering to Tiamat is the worst worst thing I can imagine doing, and I mustn't be so rude. Teehee~ Now, for my offering to the great Tiamat herself... ❞ She gleamed in response, but well, Merlin did come here with nothing more than the clothes and magic on her back. What can she even offer to keep this act going?

A mischievous smile curled up on her face, licking her lips and then placing her fingers there as if to feel its moisture. Then, without a further ado, Merlin leaned forward over the altar, and gave the rather intricate statue of the Dragon Goddess a drawn-out smooch. Not the smartest thing to do, especially with all that dark aura that could be felt coming from this one spot, but it wasn't the first time that Merlin got herself in bad positions like this.

@Minerva @Ver @York @Takumi @Kaykay​

 

[Lucky]

Fjord

Fjord would let his grip go enough that the guards could take him. He would make sure that his Lesser Demon wasn't in range for them to be attacked."You got off easy this time, just know that next time you won't be so lucky. Thank you for your service, guards and take this hooligan away." He took a deep breath and would see what else he could do to "help".

@Minerva

 

[Ver]

"I will break you into four pieces like a Kit Kat with my bare hands," Kazuma said to Magi Mari with as much utter contempt in his voice as humanly possible when she initially responded to him. However, before he could even think to make good on his threat, another member of the cult seemed to approach him, forcing him to try to act natural again, even though this situation was far from normal.

"Tiamat...? A-Ah, yes! Tiamat! I'm afraid I don't have much to offer, o-other than my life to which I serve her! Or... something like that," he responded to the woman, muttering the last part in a barely audible volume, before continuing on normally, "You see, I had just come to admire the extravagant beauty of the altar. Truly, one could get lost in it rather easi--"

"NOT LIKE THAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!!!"

Kazuma had almost gotten a whole other sentence finished in his attempt at a normal conversation with the woman before seeing the Mage of Flowers give a deep kiss to the statue like it was nothing. His eyes widening in alarm, the young man dashed behind Magi Mari and wrapped his arms around her by the chest, pulling back as though attempting to forcefully pry her off the statue.

"Do you think this is a game, you dumpster fire gremlin?! You perverted garbage troll?!"

@York @Minerva @Gummi Bunnies @Takumi @Kaykay​

 

[Minerva]

Whoa! Scorpia really wanted to see those kids! But not before trying to catch the man's hand in her claw. If she was successful she'd swing around and use her tail to slam it hard into the man's side to catch him off guard before delivering a punch of her own.

@Minerva @Crow

"Come on, pansy, you can try har-" And then Scorpia would feel a mix of spit and blood after her puch connected. The guy looked startled, his mouth puckering in a look of surprise, and his eyes nearly popping out of his head.

And then he slumped over, out cold..

Wendy nodded in response to the question she was asked, before she listened to the elf speak. Sighing, she realized she was still in square one. She bowed in thanks, "Thank you, anyway. I'm hoping we can find her, before she is hurt that is." she said "Do you happen to know what she was scouting?" she asked the group, maybe hoping to gain a lead.
@Minerva

“I think she was scouting the tower.” The Human said. He gestured to a broken tower up on a hill. “We’re trying to get it as a foothold so we can siege their fortress, but...”

“We keep losing whoever we send.” The dwarf said angrily. “And the Guard’s stopped sending men.”

Elizia
@Minerva @Ver @Gummi Bunnies @Takumi @Kaykay

"Oh! Um... Nevermind. It must be a regional thing..." Elizia said, rubbing the back of her neck.

Perhaps it wasn't the doing of a Makeover Mage after all. Or, maybe Merlin himself moonlighted as one?

Either that or this was just a woman that looked remarkable similar to him.

Regardless, she smiled awkwardly, noting the others headed to the Altar.

"So. Would you like to make an offering too? I don't have much, but... I can join you." She said suddenly.

In reality, she was trying to see if she could glean anything usefull from whatever went on at the Altar, but just incase she was indeed talking to another Cultist, and not someone else who also happened to be posing as one, she had to make this conversation sound a little less suspicious.

Unlike her fellow companion for this mission, Merlin wasn't much in panic with what she had in mind, even giggling a bit at the snarky remark of "nasty sex goblin." If anything, this was all a part of the plan that this mage put together last minute.

❝ Oooooh, so you don't want the other partygoers to focus all on me. How possessive yet cute, mister Kazuma~. Why, am I that distracting to you? Hm~? Don't be so shy now~✩ ❞ Merlin smiled devilishly, somehow not seeing the problem with this. In a way, it would be easier on their end if they had a distraction wandering around, and Merlin is the master of distractions. If she unintentionally got one of the people in her group to stroll right over, then it must be effective, surely! As if to prove the point, she was able to see that Elizia was also coming over. How many was she going to have come over?

That was when an unfamiliar person stepped towards the altar, someone who was obviously an official status in this cult party. What a pain that this other woman was all business, but that didn't matter, the role of the distraction had to keep going. Why else did the mage get in this Magi Mari getup in the first place? This can't go to waste.

Listening to the tall woman talk about offerings, Merlin clapped her hands as if remembering about that right away.

❝ Yes, that's right! Coming all the way here and not lending an offering to Tiamat is the worst worst thing I can imagine doing, and I mustn't be so rude. Teehee~ Now, for my offering to the great Tiamat herself... ❞ She gleamed in response, but well, Merlin did come here with nothing more than the clothes and magic on her back. What can she even offer to keep this act going?

A mischievous smile curled up on her face, licking her lips and then placing her fingers there as if to feel its moisture. Then, without a further ado, Merlin leaned forward over the altar, and gave the rather intricate statue of the Dragon Goddess a drawn-out smooch. Not the smartest thing to do, especially with all that dark aura that could be felt coming from this one spot, but it wasn't the first time that Merlin got herself in bad positions like this.

@Minerva @Ver @York @Takumi @Kaykay

"I will break you into four pieces like a Kit Kat with my bare hands," Kazuma said to Magi Mari with as much utter contempt in his voice as humanly possible when she initially responded to him. However, before he could even think to make good on his threat, another member of the cult seemed to approach him, forcing him to try to act natural again, even though this situation was far from normal.

"Tiamat...? A-Ah, yes! Tiamat! I'm afraid I don't have much to offer, o-other than my life to which I serve her! Or... something like that," he responded to the woman, muttering the last part in a barely audible volume, before continuing on normally, "You see, I had just come to admire the extravagant beauty of the altar. Truly, one could get lost in it rather easi--"

"NOT LIKE THAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!!!"

Kazuma had almost gotten a whole other sentence finished in his attempt at a normal conversation with the woman before seeing the Mage of Flowers give a deep kiss to the statue like it was nothing. His eyes widening in alarm, the young man dashed behind Magi Mari and wrapped his arms around her by the chest, pulling back as though attempting to forcefully pry her off the statue.

"Do you think this is a game, you dumpster fire gremlin?! You perverted garbage troll?!"

@York @Minerva @Gummi Bunnies @Takumi @Kaykay

The woman watched with a stone faced look. She gripped the axe tightly. “Your commitment will serve Tiamat well.” She said to Kazuma, choosing to ignore Magi Mari’s makeout session with the statue.

She turned around to face the rest of the party, as if to turn attention away from the scene at the statue.

“The Lord of the Manor has graciously opened up the rest of his manor to us.” she said, gesturing to the door Merlin went through earlier.

This would open up A ballroom, a sitting room, and a library as well as the bathroom Merlin had used to transform earlier.

She then grabbed Merlin by the collar and whispered. “One more show of disrespect and you will not get to revel in Severin’s New Toril.”

"!!!" Taric responded to this newfound hostility by readying yet another spell. This one set two beams straight ahead from both him and Lucina. It would do nothing at first, but after a few brief seconds would send forth two surges of starlight that would damage and hopefully stun the orcs before any more bloodshed happened on either side.

@Minerva

The Orcs would collapse to the ground, letting out shouts of pain. They would twitch and be stunned.

As Lucina and static would continue, they would enter the main chamber of the Guild Hall. It was similar to a Modern Stock Exchange Hall, except more medieval and covered in smashed tables, blood, skulls, and large throne with an Orc sitting on it.

The Orc wore furs and ramshackle patchwork armor. He had the symbol of the Many-Arrows Orcs tattooed on his chest, and held a large sword which was buried in the wood in front of him.

“Men of the Harp send more meat for Dhudrakk Flesh Destroyer.” The Orc said. “Dhudrakk Flesh Destroyer will eat well tonight.” A hearty laugh escaped him.

Beside him, chains rattled as a woman that appeared to be Xalliana from a description of her was bound upside down and hung from the large ceiling.

Fjord

Fjord would let his grip go enough that the guards could take him. He would make sure that his Lesser Demon wasn't in range for them to be attacked."You got off easy this time, just know that next time you won't be so lucky. Thank you for your service, guards and take this hooligan away." He took a deep breath and would see what else he could do to "help".

@Minerva

The guard would grab the man and Boward would continue on.

In the next room, which was even more on Fire, there would be two Nasher soldiers fighting what looked like rat men.

“They stole the crown!” One of the Nashers would shout. “They grabbed the bag with the crown!”

@Crow​

 

[Hida Tomonatsu]

"Come on, pansy, you can try har-" And then Scorpia would feel a mix of spit and blood after her puch connected. The guy looked startled, his mouth puckering in a look of surprise, and his eyes nearly popping out of his head.

And then he slumped over, out cold..



“I think she was scouting the tower.” The Human said. He gestured to a broken tower up on a hill. “We’re trying to get it as a foothold so we can siege their fortress, but...”

“We keep losing whoever we send.” The dwarf said angrily. “And the Guard’s stopped sending men.”





The woman watched with a stone faced look. She gripped the axe tightly. “Your commitment will serve Tiamat well.” She said to Kazuma, choosing to ignore Magi Mari’s makeout session with the statue.

She turned around to face the rest of the party, as if to turn attention away from the scene at the statue.

“The Lord of the Manor has graciously opened up the rest of his manor to us.” she said, gesturing to the door Merlin went through earlier.

This would open up A ballroom, a sitting room, and a library as well as the bathroom Merlin had used to transform earlier.

She then grabbed Merlin by the collar and whispered. “One more show of disrespect and you will not get to revel in Severin’s New Toril.”



The Orcs would collapse to the ground, letting out shouts of pain. They would twitch and be stunned.

As Lucina and static would continue, they would enter the main chamber of the Guild Hall. It was similar to a Modern Stock Exchange Hall, except more medieval and covered in smashed tables, blood, skulls, and large throne with an Orc sitting on it.

The Orc wore furs and ramshackle patchwork armor. He had the symbol of the Many-Arrows Orcs tattooed on his chest, and held a large sword which was buried in the wood in front of him.

“Men of the Harp send more meat for Dhudrakk Flesh Destroyer.” The Orc said. “Dhudrakk Flesh Destroyer will eat well tonight.” A hearty laugh escaped him.

Beside him, chains rattled as a woman that appeared to be Xalliana from a description of her was bound upside down and hung from the large ceiling.



The guard would grab the man and Boward would continue on.

In the next room, which was even more on Fire, there would be two Nasher soldiers fighting what looked like rat men.

“They stole the crown!” One of the Nashers would shout. “They grabbed the bag with the crown!”

@Crow​

"They have not sent all yet, my friend."

From the darkness, another stepped forward to stand at the side of Wendy, a young man who seemed to tower a full head and a half over her or more. Expression set into a self-confident expression of determination as his lips cut a thin smile, the man bowed to them with a slight air of respect for them, even the small child who shouldn't have been on the field of battle in his opinion, "Diarmuid, son of Donn and first spear of the Knights of Fianna. I and my blades," His hands gestued to the mentioned weapons, a pair of crimson and golden swords that hung upon his back and belt with ease despite their size, "Are at your service. What needs to be scouted so that we can proceed?"

@RyuKeiko @Minerva ​

 

[Yun Lee]

So this was where Xalliana had been kept. Taric was grateful to see she was still alive, but he needed to ensure that she was kept that way. His call for starlight already used for the time being, the Aspect needed to buy time before he could use it again on this orc. "Release the girl," he said, brandishing both his mace Bravado and his shield Bastion. "We can either do this peacefully, or in a way that will end poorly for you."

@Minerva​